From a few members with little to no publicity just a few years ago, to now being recognized by the National Speech and Debate Association in the top 5% of schools, the James Madison Debate Team has argued their way to their position as one of the most elite teams in Virginia. A few years ago, the Madison Debate program was at risk of dissipating. Despite there only being a few members on the team, Michael Biddick knew it was a program worth saving. In 2017, he became the head coach and began to grow the team, gaining more than 60 members in 2024.
“As a former high school and college debater, as well as a previous coach at both levels, I felt it was important for Madison to maintain a strong debate team,” Biddick said.
Biddick emphasizes the strengths that debate teaches students, such as public speaking, perspective and research skills. With debate gaining publicity, the program slowly started growing after years of rebuilding. In 2022, Julia Hosage (’25) joined the team as a sophomore on a whim. At first, she didn’t know what to expect, but she quickly found that debate was her forte.
“I am a really competitive person and I was attracted to the idea that my success at competitions was wholly dependent on my ability to be creative and problem solve,” Hosage said.
Along with her assistant captains, Ramsey Warner (’26) and Ariyanna Ghala (’26), the leadership team has been crucial in the current success of Madison debate. As captain, Hosage and her partner went on to be the first female team to win states last year.
“My partner and I went undefeated at the Regional, SuperRegional, and State competitions in our event, Public Forum,” Hosage said.
Competing in the Virginia High School League (VHSL), the Warhawks debate other schools and travel to various meets throughout the year. There are different levels at which they compete, as well as a Junior Varsity and Varsity team. Students can either enter their topic to be in a Public Forum or Public Policy. Partners work together to research, organize and prepare heavily on each topic they are assigned.
“Debate has turned into the type of activity that has begun to favor wealthier schools with established programs and what in many cases are literally teams of coaches with countless resources that do all the work for the students they send to participate,” Hosage said. “That makes our success as a school that much more impressive because it has all stemmed from the hard work of individuals and a desire to learn more about tournaments and various opportunities that aren’t openly advertised.”
Most of the planning and preparation for debates is student-led, demonstrating the hard work that members put in each week. With mock trials where students roleplay as competitors and judges, as well as weekly practice, Coach Biddick and his team of captains are able to help prepare Madison students to be their best.